We recently interviewed Ahmed Alqadeeb, Managing Director of Rawabi Energy. In this position, he is responsible for managing the full spectrum of every strategic element, ideating functions, and charting future growth ideas, along with developing insights and reporting the company’s management performance. Ahmed has been working in this industry for over 21 years now. He has ensured success by creating and accelerating revenue growth while maintaining profitability and market leadership in the competitive oil and gas market. Let’s learn more about Ahmed Alqadeeb and his journey through this interview below.
Start Of The Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Which career path led you to where you are today?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb shared, “As the MD of Rawabi Energy, my career path has been shaped by extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. I started my career as a Senior Field Engineer at Schlumberger Wireline & Testing, gaining hands-on experience in oil and gas operations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Australia.
My career then progressed to various leadership roles within Rawabi Oil & Gas, starting as an Oil and Gas Services Manager and eventually becoming the Deputy General Manager and General Manager. During this time, I was crucial in driving business growth, improving profitability, and developing strategic partnerships.
My success in these roles led to my appointment as the VP of Oilfield and Marine Services at Rawabi Holding, where I oversaw Rawabi Oilfield Services and Marine Services and multiple joint ventures. I was responsible for strategic decision-making, financial performance, and fostering strong relationships with business partners and stakeholders.
Having demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and the ability to drive results, I was appointed as the Managing Director of Rawabi Energy. I lead the company’s strategic planning, improvement projects, M&A activities, and business expansion in Rawabi Holding’s energy sector.
My career path has been guided by my passion for the oil and gas industry, continuous pursuit of excellence, and ability to deliver value and growth in highly competitive markets.”
Evolving Priorities
Over the years of experience in the business, priorities may change. We asked, “How have your priorities in terms of business evolved since you first started?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb shared, “Since I started my career, my priorities in terms of business have evolved significantly. Initially, my focus was primarily on gaining technical knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas industry. I was driven by a desire to excel in my field and contribute to the success of the companies I worked for.
As I progressed in my career and took on leadership roles, my priorities shifted toward broader business objectives. I began understanding the importance of strategic planning, financial management, and building solid relationships with clients and stakeholders. I realized that business success requires a holistic approach beyond technical expertise.”
Ahmed Alqadeeb continued, “Another significant evolution in my priorities has been the recognition of the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the energy sector. As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change and environmental impact, it has become crucial for businesses in the energy industry to prioritize sustainability and adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies.
Furthermore, my priorities have also expanded to include the development and growth of my team members. I have come to understand that investing in my team’s professional development and well-being is essential for the business’s long-term success. Building a solid and motivated team has become one of my top priorities.
My priorities have evolved from a narrow focus on technical expertise to a broader perspective that encompasses strategic planning, financial management, sustainability, stakeholder relationships, and team development. These priorities reflect my commitment to driving the long-term success and sustainability of the business while also contributing positively to society and the environment.”
Overcoming Challenges
Every business goes through challenging phases, and overcoming them matters the most. So we asked, “What are the most challenging situations your company overcomes?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb shared, “Challenging situations that my company overcomes vary depending on the industry and specific circumstances. However, I can provide a general response based on common challenges businesses face.
One of the most common challenges is fierce competition. Companies often face intense competition from established players and emerging startups in today’s globalized and highly competitive business environment. Overcoming this challenge requires continuous innovation, strategic planning, and staying ahead of market trends.
Another significant challenge is adapting to rapidly changing technologies and market dynamics. Technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences can disrupt industries and render traditional business models obsolete. Companies must be agile and proactive in embracing new technologies and adapting their strategies to stay relevant and competitive.”
Ahmed Alqadeeb added, “Managing financial resources is another challenge companies often face. This includes securing adequate funding for growth, managing cash flow, and making sound financial decisions. Economic uncertainties, market fluctuations, and unexpected expenses can strain a company’s financial health. This challenge requires effective financial planning, risk management, and prudent decision-making.
Furthermore, attracting and retaining top talent is a persistent challenge for many businesses. Finding skilled professionals who align with the company’s values and goals can be difficult, especially in highly specialized fields. Retaining employees and nurturing a positive work culture is crucial for long-term success.
Lastly, external factors such as government regulations, geopolitical risks, and natural disasters can pose significant challenges to companies. Adapting to changing regulations, mitigating risks, and developing robust contingency plans are essential for overcoming such difficulties.
Overall, the most challenging situations that my company overcomes include fierce competition, technological disruptions, financial management, talent acquisition and retention, and external factors beyond our control. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strategic thinking, adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach.”
“What is the key strength to overcome it?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb replied, “The key strength to overcome these challenging situations is a combination of adaptability, innovation, and strategic planning.
Adaptability is crucial because it allows a company to respond effectively to changing market conditions, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. Being open to change and willing to adjust strategies and operations accordingly enables a company to stay ahead of the competition and seize opportunities as they arise.
Innovation is another key strength that helps companies overcome challenges. By fostering a culture of innovation and investing in research and development, companies can continuously develop new products, services, or processes that differentiate them from competitors. Innovation allows companies to stay relevant, meet customer needs, and address emerging challenges.
Strategic planning is essential to navigate through challenging situations. A well-defined and comprehensive strategic plan helps a company identify potential obstacles, assess risks, and develop appropriate measures to overcome them. Strategic planning enables companies to set clear goals, allocate resources effectively, and make informed decisions that support long-term success.
Strong leadership and effective communication also play a vital role in overcoming challenges. Leaders who inspire and motivate their teams, provide clear direction, and foster a collaborative and supportive work environment can help employees navigate challenging situations with confidence and resilience. Open and transparent communication within the organization promotes alignment, enables timely decision-making, and helps employees understand the importance of their roles in overcoming challenges.
Overall, the critical strength to overcome challenging situations is a combination of adaptability, innovation, strategic planning, strong leadership, and effective communication. By leveraging these strengths, companies can position themselves to overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable growth and success successfully.”
Stand-Out Factors
We were intrigued to learn about the unique features of his company that make them distinct amidst the crowd. We asked, “What makes your company stand out from all the other businesses in your industry?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb shared, “Our company stands out from others in our industry due to our commitment to female empowerment, living up to our slogan of being ‘Powered by People’, recognizing our people as our greatest asset, and having a solid governance system.
Female empowerment is a core element that sets us apart. We prioritize creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where women have equal opportunities for growth and leadership positions. We empower our female employees to reach their fullest potential by providing mentorship, training, and support programs. This commitment helps us attract and retain top talent, drives innovation, and fosters a culture of equality throughout the organization.
We strongly believe that our people are our greatest asset. We invest in their continuous development, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. By promoting a culture of collaboration, respect, and recognition, we create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Our focus on employee well-being and work-life balance further enhances productivity and job satisfaction. This emphasis on our people sets us apart as a company that genuinely cares about the success and happiness of our employees.”
Ahmed Alqadeeb continued, “Furthermore, our robust governance system differentiates us from other businesses in our industry. We have implemented strong policies and procedures that govern our operations, ensuring ethical practices, transparency, and accountability. These measures not only protect the interests of our stakeholders but also build trust and credibility among our clients and partners. By adhering to strict governance standards, we demonstrate our commitment to integrity and upholding the highest level of professional conduct.
In summary, our commitment to female empowerment, recognizing our people as our greatest asset, and having a solid governance system distinguishes us from other businesses in our industry. These values and practices contribute to our success, enable us to attract top talent, and build strong relationships with our stakeholders.”
KPIs For Measuring Business Success
“What KPIs do you use to measure your business success?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb shared, “At our company, we utilize a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure our business success. These KPIs are carefully selected to align with our overall goals and objectives. Here are a few examples:
- Revenue Growth: Tracking our revenue growth is a fundamental KPI that helps us gauge the financial health of our business. By monitoring our revenue growth over time, we can assess the effectiveness of our sales and marketing strategies, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to drive sustainable growth.
- Customer Satisfaction: We emphasize customer satisfaction as a crucial indicator of our success. We regularly measure customer satisfaction through surveys, feedback channels, and reviews. By monitoring this KPI, we can identify trends, address customer concerns, and continuously improve our products and services to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Employee Engagement: We strongly believe that our employees are the backbone of our success. Therefore, measuring employee engagement is vital. We use surveys, feedback sessions, and performance evaluations to assess employee satisfaction, motivation, and commitment. A highly engaged workforce leads to increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a positive work environment.
- Return on Investment (ROI): ROI is an essential financial KPI that helps us evaluate the profitability of our investments, campaigns, and projects. By analyzing the returns generated from various initiatives, we can assess their effectiveness and make data-driven decisions to optimize our resource allocation and maximize our ROI.
- Market Share: Monitoring our market share allows us to evaluate our competitiveness within the industry. By tracking our market share over time, we can identify emerging trends, assess our position relative to competitors, and make strategic decisions to expand our market presence.
These are just a few examples of the KPIs we use to measure our business success. By regularly monitoring and analyzing these indicators, we can identify areas for improvement, align our strategies with our goals, and drive sustainable growth while ensuring the well-being of our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”
Available Services
To learn more about the current services offered by their team. We asked, “Tell us something about your services. What are you working on now?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb replied, “Rawabi Holding Group, through its wide range of services, is committed to sustainability and actively integrates environmentally friendly practices into our operations. We prioritize initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, implement renewable energy sources, promote recycling and waste reduction, and support local communities and social causes. Additionally, our subsidiary, Rawabi Energy, is dedicated to digitization efforts. We explore innovative ways to leverage technology and digital tools to enhance our services. This includes developing online platforms, utilizing data analytics for informed decision-making, implementing automated processes, and adopting digital communication channels to improve customer interactions.
One of the projects we are currently working on is the development of a hybrid vessel. This project aligns with our sustainability goals, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by combining conventional fuel sources with environmentally friendly alternatives. By incorporating digitalization into this project, we can optimize vessel performance, monitor energy usage, and enhance operational efficiency. This demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and digital innovation in our ongoing endeavors.”
Effective Teamwork
Having a solid team is paramount for achieving business success. So we asked, “How do you build trust with your employees and boost productivity without causing burnout?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb shared, “To build trust and boost productivity without causing burnout, focus on:
- Communication and transparency: Keep employees informed and encourage open dialogue with an open-door policy.
- Empowerment and autonomy: Provide resources and trust employees to make decisions.
- Work-life balance: Promote flexibility and prioritize employee well-being.
- Recognition and rewards: Appreciate and reward employees’ efforts regularly.
- Professional development: Invest in their growth and offer opportunities for advancement.
- Collaboration and team building: Encourage teamwork and create a supportive environment.
- Regular check-ins and feedback: Provide support and address concerns regularly.
Implementing these strategies will create trust, prevent burnout, and improve productivity.”
Adapting To The Latest Technologies
Another major factor that determines the success of any business is the adaptability to changing market trends and the latest technologies. We asked, “How do you stay on top of new technologies and trends in your industry?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb shared, “To stay on top of new technologies and trends in your industry, consider the following steps:
- Subscribe to industry publications and blogs that cover new technologies and trends.
- Join professional networks and engage in discussions with industry experts and peers.
- Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to gain insights from industry leaders.
- Participate in webinars and online courses on new technologies and trends.
- Join industry associations and forums to discuss trends and access valuable resources.
- Follow influencers, thought leaders, and organizations on social media platforms.
Remember, staying updated requires continuous learning and curiosity, so allocate time and resources accordingly.”
Advice To Beginners, we asked Ahmed Alqadeeb
Beginners starting in this field will find it inspiring to hear from an expert like Ahmed Alqadeeb. So we asked, “What advice would you give starting entrepreneurs?”
Ahmed Alqadeeb replied, “In my opinion, any starting entrepreneur needs to:
- Define their vision and goals.
- Conduct thorough market research.
- Develop a solid business plan.
- Build a strong team.
- Seek mentorship and guidance.
- Embrace innovation and adaptability.
- Build a strong network.
- Focus on customer satisfaction.
- Manage finances wisely.
- Stay persistent and resilient.
Entrepreneurship requires hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. Stay passionate, adaptable, and focused on delivering value to your customers.”
Find Ahmed Alqadeeb on LinkedIn.
Find Rawabi Energy on LinkedIn or visit https://rawabiholding.com/.
